Project Check List

 HOOSE YOUR TOPIC

 Be sure you select something of interest to you. As you begin your science project ask yourself:  "Why did I choose this particular topic?" and "What is the value of the project? What scientific or mathematical concept will this help me to understand better?”

 A good idea, if this is not your first science fair project, is to consider a continuation project.  There must be improvements or a new approach with a new series or experiments.

Make sure that the experiment will be finished before the stated deadline.  Be sure that it meets safety standards if it involves chemicals or electricity.  Document a realistic budget of time and supplies that you can work with.  Use of humans or animals in experiments must have prior approval.

 Make a wall calendar for the entire project, with short-term intermediate goals so you don't end up doing everything at the last minute.  Set a pace.

DO YOUR READING:

  Try gathering all the resources at various area libraries.  Do not limit yourself to books alone.  Access the Maryland Digital Library at Allegany College of Maryland and Frostburg State University.  There is also interlibrary loan service for books and magazine articles, but it is best to start as early as possible with these requests.  Check websites that are listed on the attached paper.

  Begin practicing on how to take proper notes.  Learn how to make a properly organized outline.  Don't forget to make correct citations that credit the sources you have used.

  Word processors are available at each school and at area libraries.  When you use these, save on a formatted 3.5 disk.  It is never too early to begin writing that paper.

  A poorly written paper may ruin an otherwise excellent project.  Make sure the spelling is correct.  Use a good high-school English grammar book.  The project is an exercise in writing as well as scientific skills.  Ask a teacher or someone whose English skills you trust to proofread the paper before you turn it in. 

MAKE YOUR QUESTION AND HYPOTHESIS:

   Be sure that it is a question that you can answer.  Make sure that it is a specific question; a question that is too general is meaningless.  Comparisons between different commercial products should be based on their scientific properties or mode of action and not simply brand names.  Be certain that your hypothesis states the subject of your experiment, the variable to be changed, the variable to be measured (an important distinction), and the results that you expect.

DESIGN YOUR EXPERIMENT:

  Search out expert help at colleges, universities, medical facilities, and local government facilities for assistance with your project

  For high school projects note that one of the major judging criteria is creativity. Therefore, try to find a unique approach.  How do you know if it is unique?   Read or ask an expert.    

  Identify your variables and controls; know the differences between an experimental group and a control group.  Detail exactly your procedures step-by-step.  This is all working towards a clearly stated objective.  Make sure you have all the materials you will need throughout the experiment written down on a checklist.

PREPARE PAPERWORK:

  Submit all forms to your science teacher.  Make sure that all the necessary information is provided.  Read the guidelines carefully.  Check spelling, grammar, and proofread carefully.

ARRY OUT EXPERIMENT:

 The experiment should have a sufficient number of repeats to obtain consistent results.  Based on preliminary results you may modify your experimental design including the hypothesis.  After completion of your experiments rewrite the abstract to include any changes in the experimental design and include your results.

 The procedures you used must be written in clear and complete order.  All results must be written out and discussed so that they answer your earlier stated objective of the science project.  Anything stated, as a fact must be backed up with documentation.

 Be certain you have properly made charts to display your data.  Your science or math teacher can suggest which type of graph is most appropriate.  Available at libraries are spreadsheet programs that can convert numbers into graphics.  Try to get the neatest appearance possible for any chart or graph you use.

 Photographs can be an excellent way of recording both procedure and results.  Get your pictures developed before you throw away your experiment.

DESIGN YOUR SCIENCE FAIR PRESENTATION:

 This is displaying all the actual work that you have done in an pleasing, legible, and formal manner.  Check the rules of the science fair presentation to see if there are any restrictions.  The most common format is a three-sided backboard.  Find out how much space is available for your project and make sure your backboard is large enough to accommodate your information.  The lettering should be large enough to be viewed from several feet away.  The display board should tell the story of your project from top to bottom and left to right in the following order:

            1.  Abstract

          2.  Title (as a header at the top of the display board)

          3.  Hypothesis

          4.  Procedures with pictures taken during the experiment.          

5.  Results and conclusions with pictures, charts, graphs, tables, or other visual aids

          6.  Practical application or scientific value of project

  Other display items on table in front of board:

1.  Data notebook and background reading notebook with     bibliography

2.    Any equipment or material used in the experiment (that is not excluded by rules)

3.  Forms required by International Science Exposition Fair (ISEF). Specifically, if your project was carried out at a registered research institutional/industrial setting, form 1C must be displayed.  (see application forms)

  Don’t duplicate your written paper on the display board but tell your story as simply as possible.  Use outline or bulleted form instead of paragraphs. Make sure the legend of your graphs and charts are self- explanatory. 

Practice your communication skills for your interview with the judges.